One-operator net-retrieving and boatguiding device and method of using same



Oct. 29, 1957 M. J. PURETIC 2,810,979

ONE-OPERATOR NET-RETRIEVING AND BOAT-GUIDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 14, 1955 11g M4210 JPa/QE r/c,

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810,979 GUIDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME Oct. 29, 1957 M. J. PURETIC ONE-OPERATOR NET-RETRIEVING AND BOAT- Filed 001:. 14, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

BY 531m-- Q ,4-raAME E p J m M ONE-OPERATOR NET -RETRIEVING AND BGAT- GUIDING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME Mario J. Puretic, Torrance, Calif. ApplicationOctober 14, 1955, Serial No. 540,454 16 Claims. (Cl. 43-8) The present invention relates generally to the field of commercial fishing, and more particularly to a poweroperated block, means for adjustably supporting same and guiding the boat in which it is mounted, a boat specifically adapted for use with the block, and a method of using the block and support means therefor whereby one operator may guide the boat and at the same time draw a net aboard. This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Serial No. 519,567, now issued as U. S. Patent No. 2,733,531, issued February 1, 1956, entitled Purse Seine Power Block Unit and Method of Operating Same, which was filed in the United States Patent Office July 1, 1955.

A major object of the present invention is to provide an adjustably supported power block having a boatsteering mechanism associated therewith, which assembly when installed on a boat permits a single operator to guide the boat as well as draw a net from the sea into the confines of the boat.

A further object of the invention is to contribute to the maneuverability of the boat whereby it is possible to fish close to shore just outside the breaker zone, with the maneuverability of the boat being sumciently increased that the hazard of the boat being upset or run aground is reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the invention is to supply a power block that permits a net tobe drawn aboard a boat rapidly with a minimum of damage to the net, irrespective of the direction in which the boat may drift relative to the net or the position the boat may assume due to. water currents or wind during such operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to furnish a power block that is particularly adapted for use with a gill net in that the gill net can be easily drawn within the confines of the block and can be disengaged therefrom either before or after the net has passed through the power block.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a power block so designed that the boat with which the block is used provides a sheltered operating area for the fishermen, larger living quarters for the crew and yet provides space for side hatches for holding the catch.

Yet another object of the invention is to supply a power block which while primarily adapted for use in drawing a net from the sea aboard a fishing vessel on which the block is installed, it can also be employed for such varied purposes as the lifting of a dinghy or heaving an anchor aboard the boat, or the like.

A still further object of the invention is to increase the safety of the operator or crew members of a fishing vessel on which the device is installed inasmuch as the operator of the invention can easily stop the movement of the incoming net as well as change or adjust the course of the boat.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a power block that is so versatile in operation that it can be used with either a net or a single line.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a device that permits such quick and easy steering of the boat on which it is mounted as to give such a radius of movement to the boat that the net can be maintained a suflicient distance as to avoid contact thereof with the propellers, yet at the same time permits handling of the boat with facility in order to meet and overcome all weather conditions encountered.

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These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred form thereof, and from the drawings illustrating that form in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of a boat with my power block adjustably supported thereon, and a net being drawn upwardly from the sea onto the boat;

Figure 2 is a plan View of the device;

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the invention;

Figure 3a is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the cable drive used on the invention;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the power block;

Figure 5- is a combined elevational and vertical crosssectional view of the adjustable support for the power block;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view of the boat steering mechanism and the adjustable support for the power block;

Figure 7 is a plan view of the boat showing one position in which the net can be drawn upwardly from the sea for deposit thereon; and

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing another position in which the net can be drawn from the sea for deposit on the boat.

Referring now to the drawings for the general arrangement of the invention, it will be seen that the power block B is preferably mounted on a boat A having a bow C, stern D, and centrally disposed cabin E that is open at the rear. Cabin E is provided with a roof F embodying an extension F in the form of a rigid cantilever portion that projects rearwardly therefrom. Two laterally spaced masts G project upwardly from cabin E, each of which masts has an identical cable 10 with a turnbuckle 12 connected thereto leading forwardly and downwardly to a securing member preferably afiixed to the cabin. Each mast G also has a cable 16 with a turnbuckle 18 connected thereto that extends downwardly and rearwardly, and each cable 16 is secured to an eye bolt 2%, or other suitable means, fastened to roof extension F. Cables 10 and 16 serve to sufficiently reinforce roof extension F that it not only can support the power block assembly as hereinafter described in detail, but a dinghy H as shown in Figure l as well. Roof extension F (Figure 1) provides shelter for a fisherman when he is operating the power block B to raise a net K out of the sea into boat A.

The assembly used in adjustably supporting power block B, best seen in Figures 2 and 3, includes a horizontal circular rail 22 rigidly secured by bolts 24, or other suitable fastening means, to the under side of roof ex.- tension F. Rail 22. is of channel-shaped cross section defined by upper and lower horizontal flanges 26 and 28 respectively, that are connected by a vertical web 30.

A vertical bore 32 is formed in roof extension F, centrally located relative to rail 22. A shaft 34 is rotatably disposed in bore 32. A reel 36 is rigidly afiixed to the upper portion of shaft 34, which reel has a number of turns of a cable 33 encircling same. Two portions 38a and 38b of cable 38 extend to the steering mechanism (not shown) of boat B and actuate same upon rotation of shaft 34. A ball or roller bearing 4% of conventional design is interposed between the lower face of reel 36 and the upper surface of roof extension F whereby shaft 34 may be rotatably engaged thereby. Bearing 40 is supported in fixed position above the upper surface of roof extension F by a first block 42 and screws or bolts 44 extend through both the block and roof extension. A second block 46 is provided that has a vertical bore 48 formed therein which serves as a bearing for shaft 34. Tapped bores 56 are provided in block 46, which bores are engaged by screws 44 to support block 46 on the under side of top extension F.

. not only permits shaft 'lSll'l alignment with bore 86. Rod

Second block 46 has a cylindrical lower section 52 which bore 48 extends. Shaft 34 has a steering wheel or other suitable handle tion thereof by means. of a set screw 56. Handle 54 34 and reel 36 to be rotated by fisherman J in guiding boat A, but prevents inadvertent displacement of the shaft from blocks 42 and 46. The second block section 52 rotatably supports a sleeve 58 which is preferably provided with ball or roller bearings 60 that'are in rotatable contact with the section; Sleeve 58 has a rigid tubular arm 62 extending outwardly from one side thereof, which arm is sufficiently long to permit a roller 64 to be rotatably mounted on the free end thereof and reston the upper surface of flange 28.

The end of arm 62, as can best be seen in Figure 6, terminates adjacent sleeve 58 in a cap or end portion 66 that has a horizontally tapped bore 68 extending therethrough'. A rod 70 is rotatably mounted within the confines of arm 62, which rod has a threaded end portion 71 that rotatably engages tapped bore 68 and projects outwardly therefrom. The outer end portion 71 terminates in a handle 72 that permits rotation of rod 70. Rotation of handle 72 in one direction results in outward movement of rod 70 relative to arm 62, with the free end portion 74 of the red when handle 72 has been rotated sufiiciently, and as a result of such contact, the end portion frictionally holds the arm in fixed position relative to rail 22. 'Arm 62 serves as a support for clamp 74 (Figure which clamp can be adjusted to the desired longitudinal position thereon. Clamp 74 pivotally supports the power block B in a depending position therefrom as shown in Figure 3.

The detailed structure of clamp 74 ally separated legs 76 and 78 joined portions by an arcuate member 80 includes .two laterintegrally formed therewith and embracing the exterior surface of arm 62;

A rod 82 having a collar 84 extends through a horizontal bore 86 formed in leg 76. The outwardly disposed portion 88 of rod 82 has threads 90 formed thereon, which threads engage a tapped bore 92 formed in leg 78 that 82 has a handle 93 mounted on the end portion 82a thereof.

An eye bolt 94 is provided, and the eye 96 thereof is engaged by rod 82 that is situated between legs 76 and .78. Bolt 94 has a depending portion 98 on which threads 1430 are formed that are engaged by a nut 102.

54 affixed to the lower end por pressing against the interior face of web 30,

on their upper end can best be seen in Figures 3 and 3a,

. 4 rotatably mounted on shaft 118. Shaft 118 has threaded end portions 118a and 11% that are engaged by nuts 125 and 125' respectively, as shown in Figure 3. Nut 125' prevents disengagement of shaft 118 from hub 116, and nut 125 serves to prevent dis engagement of bearings 124 and 124" and structure attached theretofrom'the supporting shaft. 118.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced studs 129 which extend outwardly from the inner face of flange 120 rigidly support a ring gear 130. Gear 130 is engaged by a roller chain belt 132 that extends to and engages a driving sprocket 134 forming a part of prime mover 113. 'As a circ'umferentially extending V-shaped slot 122:; is provided in member 122, the purpose of which slot will later be explained- Net K is preferably of the gill net type, the mesh of which is sufficiently small that the gills of the fish are e caught therein when the net is supported in the water Bolt 94 and nut 102 cooperatively provide a 'pivotal rigid horizontal crosspiece 112 extends between flanges 108 and 168' to reinforce same, and serve as a mounting for a prime mover 113 of any desired type such as an airor hydraulic motor, an internal combustion engine, or the like. Two identical laterally spaced spiders 114 and 114 in the form of crosses. that terminate in a cen mounted within the confines tral hub 116 are rigidly of flange .116. Hub 116 serves as a rigid support for a stubshaft 118 extending outwardly therefrom.

Two identical rigid frusto-conical flanges 120 and 120' are provided that are joined on the smaller ends thereof by a cylindrical member 122,

that extend outwardly from a cork line 142. A lead line .144 extends along the lower portion of'net inwardly disposed end of net K is caused to engage the surface 123 (Figure 3) by passing the net, cork line, and lead line through the opening 150 formed between frusto-conical member 120' and the lower upper edge portions of flanges 108 and 108 as shown in the drawings. Prime mover "113 may then be actuated to cause rotation of surface 123 and net K drawn upwardly from the sea into boat A. V 7

As the net is being drawn out ofthe water as above described, it is possible for the fisherman I to at the same time guide the boat by means ofrhandle 54 (Figure 6) in order to control the position of the'boatrelative to the net. Likewise the fisherman J is able to position the power block B in the most advantageous position in retrieving net K by rotating arm 70 to a desired position and locking same relative to rail 22 by use of handle 72.. The clamp shown inFigure 5 can then he slid along the arm 80, together with the power block B supported thereby, 7 arm by means of the handle 93. As the net K is drawn inwardly over powerblock B, the fish that are caught in the net by the gills are preferably separated therefrom and deposited in'hatches (not shown) provided in boat A for that purpose.

Cylindrical member 122 3a.has a circumferentially therein that can be engaged supports a plurality of spaced hooks (not shown). This structural feature of the invention increases its versaas shown in Figures 3 and extending groove 154 formed tility of use for the invention can thereby handle either a net or a single line with equal efiiciency.

which flanges cooperatively define a rotatable rigid surface 123 through which the net K passes as it is raised from the sea into boat A. At the junction thereof, member 122 and flanges 120 and 128' develop into two' truncated cone-shaped members'12l and 121' respectively that are oppositely disposed. lviembers 121 and.121' slope inwardly to terminate in two tubular bearings 124 and 124' which are Although the invention herein shown and described is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefo're mentioned, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the, presently preferred embodiment of my invention and that I do not means to be limited to the details'of construction herein shown and described other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim: 7 o

1. An apparatus adapted to be used by only one operator in raising a net from the sea and stackingsame aboard a boat while he concurrently guides the boat to prevent the net from becoming fouled therewith, including: a rail that defines at least a part of a circle; a position above the deck of said boat and substantially parallel thereto; an elongate to maintain the net in a V substantially horizontal position when immersed in the.

At the proper time the and the clamp locked-relative to the by a single line 156 which rigid arm having oppositely disposed end portions; means that movably support one of said end portions of said arm on said rail; a first vertically disposed shaft rotatably mounted on said rail supporting means; a bearing rotatably support on said first shaft, with the other of said end portions of said arm being rigidly afiixed to said bearing; a clamp longitudinally movable on said arm and supported therefrom; first locking means capable of locking said clamp at a desired position on said arm; second locking means capable of locking said arm at a desired position relative to said rail; a pin depending from said clamp; an inverted L-shaped support pivotally mounted on said pin; a second shaft projecting outwardly from said L-shaped support; a spool provided with two laterally spaced annular flanges between which said net can pass, which spool is rotatably mounted on said second shaft; power means that rotate said spool; a handle mounted on the lower end of said first shaft; and means mounted on said first shaft that is responsive to rotation of said handle mounted thereon to guide said boat both during and after said first and second locking means have been manipulated to dispose said arm and L-shaped support in positions where said net is raised upwardly from the sea aboard said boat in a direction substantially normal to the direction of said second shaft.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which said rail supporting means is a rigid plate afiixed to a portion of said boat, which plate has a bore formed therein in which said first shaft is pivotally mounted.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which said arm supporting means is a roller rotatably mounted on said first arm end portion, with said roller being in rolling contact with said rail.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 in which said clamp includes two laterally separated legs that when drawn together cause the balance of said clamp to grip said arm.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 in which said first locking means is a first rod rotatably supported from said legs, which first rod is provided with a first handle, with said first handle and first rod when manually rotated in one direction causing said arms to move toward one another to cause the balance of said clamp to rigidly grip said arm.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 in which said second locking means is a second rod that is movably supported parallel to said arm, with said rod having a second handle, and said second rod and second handle when moved in one direction causing an end portion of said second rod to bear against said rail to prevent movement of said arm relative thereto.

7. An appaiatus adapted to be used by only one operator in raising a net from the sea and stacking same aboard a boat while he concurrently guides the boat, including: a rigid elongate arm; means that pivotally support said arm above the deck of said boat and parallel thereto; a clamp longitudinally movable on said arm and supported therefrom; first locking means capable of locking said clamp at a desired position on said arm; second locking means capable of locking said arm at a fixed position relative to said pivotal supporting means; a rigid member; means pivotally supporting said member from said clamp; a shaft projecting outwardly from said member in a substantially horizontal plane; a spool having two laterally spaced annular flanges formed thereon between which said net can pass, which spool rotatably supports said shaft; power means that rotate said spool; and boat guiding means disposed adjacent said means that pivotally support said arm.

8. An apparatus adapted to be used by only one operator raising a net from the sea and stacking same aboard a boat while he concurrently guides the boat, including: a rail defining at least part of a circle; means supporting said rail in a position above the deck of said boat and substantially parallel thereto; an elongate rigid arm; means that movably support a first end portion of said arm on said rail; a first vertically disposed shaft rotatably mounted on said rail supporting means; a hearing rotatably supported on said first shaft, which arm has a second end portion rigidly afiixed to said bearing; a clamp longitudinally movable on said arm and supported therefrom; first locking means capable of locking said clamp at a desired position on said arm; second locking means capable of locking said arm at a desired position relative to said rail; a pin depending from said clamp; an inverted L-shaped support pivotally mounted on said pin; a second shaft projecting outwardly from said L- shaped bracket; a spool formed with two laterally spaced annular flanges between which said net can pass, which spool is rotatably mounted on said second shaft; power means that rotate said spool; a handle mounted on the lower end of said first shaft; a reel rigidly attached to said first shaft; and a cable having a plurality of turns that encircle said reel, said cable having two portions extending from said reel to the steering mechanism of said boat, which cable portions cause said steering mechanism to be actuated when said first shaft is rotated by means of said handle mounted thereon.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, in which said rotatable net-engaging means is a spool having two oppositely and outwardly tapering annular flanges, which flanges compact said net as it passes therebetween, with said net as a result of said compaction being frictionally gripped by said flanges to such extent that said net can be raised from the sea and deposited as a downwardly moving column on the deck of said boat.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 in which said support means for said net-engaging means is a movably mounted, substantially horizontal arm.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 that has a mounting on which said arm can pivot.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 that has a rotatably mounted supporting roller and is provided with a rail that is rigidly supported at an elevated position above the deck of said boat and on which said roller rests.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 in which said rail is of arcuate configuration.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13 including a clamp that is longitudinally and adjustably supported on said arm and said rotatable net-engaging means depends from said clamp.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 in which said spool includes with a cylindrical member rigidly aifixed to and disposed between said annular flanges, with said cylindrical member having a circumferentially extending groove formed therein that can engage a single fishing line.

16. An apparatus adapted to be operated by only one operator for raising a not from the sea and stacking same aboard a boat and guiding said boat including, rotatable net-engaging means, means for adjustably supporting said net-engaging means at an elevated position above the deck of said boat; means for locking said support at any one of a plurality of positions to which said supporting means can be adjusted, power means adapted to operate said net-engaging means and means to guide said boat associated with said net-engaging means whereby said operator may concurrently operate the said net-engaging means and the guide means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

